WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.379 Good morning, church. 00:00:05.459 --> 00:00:07.459 Would you turn with me to John chapter 16? 00:00:08.419 --> 00:00:11.259 That is page 848 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:12.939 --> 00:00:17.080 We're going to pick up this morning in the second half of verse 4 of chapter 16 and read 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:19.719 through verse 11 for our sermon this morning. 00:00:20.460 --> 00:00:22.940 As we turn there, let me pray for us. 00:00:23.100 --> 00:00:23.699 Let's pray together. 00:00:30.820 --> 00:00:35.640 God, we do need you, and we need you every hour, and we need you every moment. 00:00:35.880 --> 00:00:39.439 God, you are the one who supports and sustains. 00:00:40.280 --> 00:00:43.799 Lord, it is in you that we live and move and have our being. 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:48.859 God, thank you that you don't remain far off, but you indeed reveal yourself to us and you 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:49.659 speak to us. 00:00:50.159 --> 00:00:53.140 So speak to us now, Father, as we come to your word. 00:00:54.079 --> 00:00:59.700 Help us by your Holy Spirit to have ears to hear, and help us have eyes to see Jesus exalted 00:00:59.700 --> 00:01:01.540 and glorious as our true King. 00:01:02.140 --> 00:01:03.280 We pray this in His name. 00:01:03.840 --> 00:01:04.060 Amen. 00:01:05.460 --> 00:01:05.820 Amen. 00:01:05.960 --> 00:01:08.320 All right, John 16, starting in the second half of verse 4. 00:01:08.379 --> 00:01:09.359 Let me read this for us. 00:01:11.520 --> 00:01:12.719 Jesus says to the apostles, 00:01:12.719 --> 00:01:16.859 I did not say these things to you from the beginning because I was with you, but now 00:01:16.859 --> 00:01:18.480 I am going to Him who sent me. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:21.239 And none of you asks me, where are you going? 00:01:22.060 --> 00:01:25.539 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 00:01:26.659 --> 00:01:28.200 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. 00:01:28.280 --> 00:01:30.319 It is to your advantage that I go away. 00:01:31.079 --> 00:01:34.219 For if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:38.039 But if I go, I will send Him to you. 00:01:38.040 --> 00:01:44.420 And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:47.800 Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me. 00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:52.460 Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will see me no longer. 00:01:53.420 --> 00:01:57.360 Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 00:01:59.460 --> 00:02:04.640 So in this part of John's gospel, remember, Jesus has been telling and preparing the apostles 00:02:04.640 --> 00:02:05.780 for their upcoming mission. 00:02:06.420 --> 00:02:09.860 And in the first half of John 15, right before this passage we just read, 00:02:10.599 --> 00:02:14.639 Jesus talks about there, in the first half of 15, He talks about bearing fruit. 00:02:15.139 --> 00:02:18.120 And then in the second half of John 15, He talks about bearing witness. 00:02:18.659 --> 00:02:20.680 So this would be the mission of the church. 00:02:21.259 --> 00:02:23.139 Fruit bearing and witness bearing. 00:02:23.139 --> 00:02:26.319 A life of love in deed and in word. 00:02:27.139 --> 00:02:31.780 But remember, all of this would happen in a context of what? 00:02:31.860 --> 00:02:33.319 In a context of resistance. 00:02:33.319 --> 00:02:38.759 Jesus says at the end of chapter 15, expect hostility from the world. 00:02:39.319 --> 00:02:45.099 But the church would not retreat from the hostile world. 00:02:45.219 --> 00:02:51.039 Rather, we would live out our distinct fruit bearing, witness bearing life right in the middle of it. 00:02:51.740 --> 00:02:52.099 Why? 00:02:54.039 --> 00:02:58.379 Well, because as we know from John's gospel that we've been studying for the last year, 00:02:58.459 --> 00:02:59.579 because God loves the world. 00:02:59.939 --> 00:03:01.479 And God sent His Son to save the world. 00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:06.039 And God has a purpose of redeeming a people from every tribe and tongue and nation. 00:03:08.599 --> 00:03:12.899 But, do you remember that scene from the Lord of the Rings? 00:03:13.699 --> 00:03:17.179 When Frodo and Sam, along with the rest of sort of their band, 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:21.659 are traveling under the mountains through the ancient home of the dwarves, 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:22.879 the mines of Moriah. 00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:25.319 Okay, I know I lost maybe like 30% of it. 00:03:25.379 --> 00:03:26.299 But stick with me on this one. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:26.759 Stick with me. 00:03:26.759 --> 00:03:30.159 And so they're down in the mountains and they're under and it's dark and it's deep. 00:03:30.340 --> 00:03:33.780 And then they come to this narrow pass, this sort of narrow stone bridge. 00:03:34.659 --> 00:03:37.959 And as they're about to cross and as they're about to make it out through the other side, 00:03:38.319 --> 00:03:41.539 this ancient evil creature comes out of the darkness. 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:44.500 Durin's Bane, the Balrog. 00:03:44.840 --> 00:03:46.399 And suddenly all seems lost. 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:48.019 But what happens? 00:03:48.520 --> 00:03:54.140 Well, Gandalf, their sort of great guide and teacher, stands between the fellowship and the monster. 00:03:54.500 --> 00:03:55.340 He fights the creature. 00:03:55.460 --> 00:03:56.520 The fellowship gets through. 00:03:56.760 --> 00:03:57.260 They escape. 00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:02.560 But at the last moment, Gandalf is taken by the creature, pulled down into the darkness. 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:06.600 And his last words, at least in the first version of the movie are, do you remember? 00:04:07.460 --> 00:04:08.660 Run, you fools. 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:12.379 In the book, he says, fly, you fools. 00:04:12.439 --> 00:04:14.600 And there's a great debate on the internet all about that. 00:04:14.600 --> 00:04:16.240 And you can waste a lot of time reading it. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:21.939 But as the characters come out, the other side, into the light of day, they're filled with sorrow. 00:04:22.980 --> 00:04:23.500 Why? 00:04:25.160 --> 00:04:27.800 Because now they're on their own. 00:04:28.540 --> 00:04:34.680 Because now they have to complete their mission without their guide, their protector, and their friend. 00:04:35.400 --> 00:04:39.680 Now they have to march into the face of hostility all alone. 00:04:42.180 --> 00:04:44.920 Now sometimes as a church we feel a bit like that, don't we? 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:51.740 Jesus has given us a mission, but we stare out at what seems like an impossible task. 00:04:52.780 --> 00:04:57.199 Our friends and our neighbors seem so far from believing in Christ. 00:04:57.620 --> 00:05:01.639 Our love for one another seems to grow so cold at times. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:10.000 Given the obstacles ahead, given the opposition ahead, how will we ever complete the mission before us? 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:13.000 How will we possibly bear fruit? 00:05:13.079 --> 00:05:14.779 How will we possibly bear witness? 00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:23.519 Especially when it seems like Jesus, our guide, our protector, our friend, isn't here with us. 00:05:25.420 --> 00:05:27.459 We know he's won the great battle, yes. 00:05:27.579 --> 00:05:28.819 He fought the great evil. 00:05:29.100 --> 00:05:30.060 We have been saved. 00:05:30.180 --> 00:05:31.420 We've come out the other side. 00:05:31.420 --> 00:05:35.640 But now, are we on our own to live out the mission he's given us? 00:05:38.400 --> 00:05:40.680 Well, this is where John 16 comes in. 00:05:42.140 --> 00:05:48.520 Jesus is assuring us here that his going away is actually a good thing. 00:05:49.379 --> 00:05:53.580 Because if he goes away, he will send the helper. 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:56.379 Or as some translations say, the advocate. 00:05:56.379 --> 00:05:59.399 The one we know as the Holy Spirit. 00:06:00.740 --> 00:06:01.959 So we're not alone. 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:04.100 Think about it. 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:09.420 Before Jesus ascended to the Father, his work was not yet complete. 00:06:10.060 --> 00:06:16.199 But when Jesus ascended on high and took his seat at the right hand of God, enthroned as king forever, 00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:20.379 then redemption was accomplished once and for all. 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:24.600 Then our mediator had put an anchor in heaven that could never be moved. 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:28.300 And at long last, humanity could be reconciled to God. 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:32.300 We have a high priest in heaven who intercedes for us. 00:06:33.160 --> 00:06:37.020 And at that moment, when the risen King Jesus ascended on high, 00:06:37.240 --> 00:06:39.580 then the Holy Spirit could come in fullness. 00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:41.500 That's what Jesus means when he says, 00:06:41.700 --> 00:06:44.620 unless I go away, the helper will not come to you. 00:06:45.360 --> 00:06:49.320 It's not as if sort of Jesus and the Spirit can't occupy the same space, 00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:51.520 like they're oil and water or something. 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:57.180 No, Jesus is saying that the Spirit can't come in fullness until I go and complete the work. 00:06:59.079 --> 00:07:03.479 Now, it's been fun to sort of watch the construction happening around our church for the past few years, hasn't it? 00:07:03.839 --> 00:07:07.719 We used to be, if you're new, we used to be in the middle of a parking lot. 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:11.939 But now our church is located right in the middle of a community, which is pretty awesome. 00:07:12.479 --> 00:07:15.699 But here's the thing about a project as big as this one that's happening around us. 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:21.139 A project that big cannot start until the financing is in place, right? 00:07:21.539 --> 00:07:23.639 Until the funds have been secured. 00:07:24.939 --> 00:07:30.060 But once the funds are secured, then the construction crews can show up. 00:07:30.659 --> 00:07:35.639 Otherwise, you're going to have a lot of disgruntled construction workers waiting for their paychecks, right? 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:38.579 Think of it like this. 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:42.419 When Jesus died and rose again and ascended on high, 00:07:42.959 --> 00:07:49.000 he secured the funds to redeem everyone who would turn interest in him. 00:07:49.620 --> 00:07:53.899 So now the Holy Spirit, the helper, the advocate, the builder, 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:57.079 can come in fullness and start building the church. 00:07:57.079 --> 00:08:02.319 When Jesus ascended, the work was complete and the Spirit could come. 00:08:03.000 --> 00:08:07.319 And now that the Spirit is here, what exactly does it mean? 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:13.299 And that brings us really to the heart of the text before us today. 00:08:14.339 --> 00:08:19.319 The heart of the text today is the Holy Spirit's ministry to the world. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:24.259 As we seek to bear witness to the world, we're not alone. 00:08:24.259 --> 00:08:28.980 God, the Holy Spirit, is ultimately the one doing the work. 00:08:29.259 --> 00:08:31.480 He is the great evangelist. 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:35.399 He's the one who changes hearts and brings true conversion. 00:08:35.799 --> 00:08:41.340 Jesus says he will convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment. 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:49.819 That is, the Holy Spirit will shine a searching light upon human hearts. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:52.620 That's what the word convict means here. 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:56.860 A light will be shown into our hearts. 00:08:57.919 --> 00:09:04.220 And what will be exposed is sin, righteousness, and judgment. 00:09:05.360 --> 00:09:08.100 In other words, the Holy Spirit is going to expose the problem 00:09:08.100 --> 00:09:12.120 and the solution and then the resolution. 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:14.019 What's really wrong with us? 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:14.960 What can make it right? 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:16.460 And how it's all going to turn out? 00:09:16.460 --> 00:09:19.759 So let's look at each of these things briefly. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:21.440 First, verse 9, 00:09:21.500 --> 00:09:24.240 The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:26.560 because they do not believe in me. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:29.940 You know, before we can understand the cure, 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:32.060 we have to understand the problem, right? 00:09:32.680 --> 00:09:34.220 If I have a broken arm, 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:37.400 getting a manicure isn't going to help much, right? 00:09:38.060 --> 00:09:40.100 It might make my broken arm look nice, 00:09:40.200 --> 00:09:42.120 but the arm is still going to be broken. 00:09:42.120 --> 00:09:45.679 You know, it's much the same with our spiritual state. 00:09:46.440 --> 00:09:48.320 Until we understand the problem, 00:09:48.519 --> 00:09:50.179 we can't really get the cure. 00:09:50.860 --> 00:09:52.200 But what is the problem? 00:09:53.299 --> 00:09:55.159 Well, the Bible calls the problem sin. 00:09:56.779 --> 00:09:57.919 But here's the thing. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:02.600 Most people, I think, would readily admit 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:04.139 that they aren't perfect, 00:10:04.720 --> 00:10:05.899 that they make mistakes, 00:10:06.139 --> 00:10:08.240 that they even act selfishly at times. 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:12.180 But that isn't what the Bible means by sin. 00:10:14.980 --> 00:10:17.580 Is sin merely breaking some rules from time to time? 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:21.440 Is sin sort of not always being our best selves? 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:24.919 Well, no. 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:27.120 That's not the heart of it. 00:10:28.340 --> 00:10:30.220 At bottom, the reality of sin 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:32.379 isn't merely breaking rules or not being perfect. 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:34.639 The reality of sin is relational. 00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:36.120 It's personal. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:38.940 Notice, Jesus doesn't say, 00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:40.740 the Holy Spirit will convict you of sin 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:42.240 because you didn't keep the rules. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:44.460 The Holy Spirit will convict you of sin, 00:10:44.539 --> 00:10:44.919 Jesus says, 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:47.340 because they did not believe in me. 00:10:50.580 --> 00:10:52.820 Now, God's laws are good. 00:10:53.159 --> 00:10:54.179 God's laws are perfect. 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:56.600 They are how life works best. 00:10:57.039 --> 00:10:58.820 And we should delight to keep them. 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:00.980 But at the core, 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:04.019 when the Holy Spirit shines his light into our hearts, 00:11:04.019 --> 00:11:08.179 what we see is something very grave. 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:12.519 We see that we've lived our whole life 00:11:12.519 --> 00:11:14.519 personally ignoring 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:18.379 or even rejecting the God who made us 00:11:18.379 --> 00:11:20.799 and the God who sustains us, 00:11:21.639 --> 00:11:24.240 the one in whom we live and move 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:25.179 and have our being. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:29.579 Basically, we've lived our whole life saying, 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:31.480 God, I don't think I need you 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:32.659 and I don't want you. 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:37.759 But imagine the situation that puts us in. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:42.220 It's only the strong branches of God's mercy 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:43.759 that upholds us each second. 00:11:44.860 --> 00:11:46.500 And yet every day that goes by, 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:48.399 we keep sawing the branch, 00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:51.560 acting as if we can live without him. 00:11:51.559 --> 00:11:56.579 And what if God were to give us what we want 00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:59.019 and actually release us? 00:12:02.339 --> 00:12:04.199 Jesus says in Matthew's gospel, 00:12:04.359 --> 00:12:06.439 to be fully removed from God's presence 00:12:06.439 --> 00:12:11.319 would be like exclusion or darkness or even fire. 00:12:12.939 --> 00:12:14.579 Exclusion from all that's good, 00:12:15.899 --> 00:12:18.199 darkness in our own vanity and selfishness, 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:23.040 and even fire, fire of turmoil and shame. 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:26.860 Friends, I wonder, 00:12:26.940 --> 00:12:28.040 have you ever felt the gravity 00:12:28.040 --> 00:12:32.900 of your state before God in your sin? 00:12:35.060 --> 00:12:37.020 Have you ever felt the lostness, 00:12:37.180 --> 00:12:41.040 the danger of not being right with God, 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:41.820 your creator? 00:12:41.820 --> 00:12:46.740 If you've not felt a sense of that, 00:12:47.700 --> 00:12:49.400 then pray. 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:53.640 Ask the Holy Spirit to awaken you 00:12:53.640 --> 00:12:56.940 to the reality of the spiritual problem 00:12:56.940 --> 00:12:59.220 so that you can find the cure. 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:03.480 And if you have started to feel 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:05.420 that sense of conviction of sin, 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:07.860 then don't run away from it. 00:13:08.060 --> 00:13:09.320 Don't shut it down. 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:11.200 If your arm is broken, 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.540 the worst thing you can do 00:13:12.540 --> 00:13:13.780 is to keep telling yourself, 00:13:13.920 --> 00:13:15.220 it's fine, it's okay, 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:16.879 I'll just think about something else. 00:13:17.400 --> 00:13:19.400 No, don't ignore the problem. 00:13:21.660 --> 00:13:23.740 Because if you're feeling the conviction of sin, 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:25.280 then that's the work of the Holy Spirit 00:13:25.280 --> 00:13:26.020 in your life. 00:13:29.260 --> 00:13:30.440 But what's the solution? 00:13:31.820 --> 00:13:32.600 What's the solution? 00:13:32.700 --> 00:13:33.840 That brings us to the next verse. 00:13:33.840 --> 00:13:35.899 First, the Holy Spirit convicts us 00:13:35.899 --> 00:13:37.019 of the true nature of sin. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:38.280 Next, in verse 10, 00:13:38.360 --> 00:13:39.600 the Holy Spirit convicts us 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.639 concerning righteousness, 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:41.780 Jesus says, 00:13:42.100 --> 00:13:43.440 because I go to the Father 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:45.460 and you will see me no longer. 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:48.879 Okay, so what is the natural human response 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:50.040 to our spiritual problem, 00:13:50.120 --> 00:13:50.480 to sin, 00:13:51.180 --> 00:13:52.000 especially when we see 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:53.080 how grave it really is? 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:54.820 Well, typically, 00:13:54.960 --> 00:13:55.840 I think we try, 00:13:55.960 --> 00:13:56.780 in response to that, 00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:57.780 to sort of bolster 00:13:57.780 --> 00:13:59.519 our own sense of righteousness. 00:13:59.900 --> 00:14:00.540 We catch a glimpse 00:14:00.540 --> 00:14:01.420 of how lost we are, 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:03.180 of the danger of our spiritual state, 00:14:03.179 --> 00:14:04.039 of our deep flaws, 00:14:04.099 --> 00:14:05.539 and then we respond to it 00:14:05.539 --> 00:14:07.239 by trying to outweigh it 00:14:07.239 --> 00:14:08.620 with some good deeds, right? 00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:09.319 With righteousness. 00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:11.859 I think most of us operate 00:14:11.859 --> 00:14:13.459 with a very flawed notion 00:14:13.459 --> 00:14:15.299 that spiritually speaking, 00:14:15.719 --> 00:14:16.659 there's a scale. 00:14:18.099 --> 00:14:19.939 On the one side are our bad deeds, 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.120 and on the other side 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:21.899 are our good deeds. 00:14:22.139 --> 00:14:23.319 And the whole goal of life 00:14:23.319 --> 00:14:24.839 is to try to make our good deeds 00:14:24.839 --> 00:14:26.099 outweigh the bad deeds, 00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:27.139 and then we'll be okay. 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:30.319 But when you stop and think about it, 00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:34.780 that is a very foolish notion, 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:35.560 isn't it? 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:38.700 Imagine that I've spent 00:14:38.700 --> 00:14:39.700 the last 20 years 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:40.820 cheating on my taxes. 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:43.200 That's not true. 00:14:43.460 --> 00:14:45.480 I think I have faithfully paid my taxes 00:14:45.480 --> 00:14:46.500 for the last 20 years, 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:47.740 but imagine I haven't. 00:14:49.180 --> 00:14:51.300 But finally, I get caught, 00:14:51.700 --> 00:14:53.320 and I get dragged before a judge. 00:14:54.280 --> 00:14:55.540 And here's my defense. 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:57.299 Well, judge, 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:59.480 I know I've cheated on my taxes 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.539 for the last 20 years, 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:03.019 and I've stole thousands that I owe. 00:15:03.839 --> 00:15:04.399 But you know, 00:15:04.959 --> 00:15:06.819 I've been a really nice guy 00:15:06.819 --> 00:15:07.459 that whole time. 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:09.779 I've done a lot of good things. 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:12.179 I even gave some of that money, 00:15:12.240 --> 00:15:12.719 not all of it, 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:14.319 I gave a little bit of it to charity. 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:17.219 Doesn't that outweigh the bad? 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.740 Well, we know the answer, right? 00:15:21.939 --> 00:15:22.339 No. 00:15:22.340 --> 00:15:22.460 No. 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:25.220 The wrong is still there. 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:27.560 Look, if you rob a bank, 00:15:27.680 --> 00:15:28.759 you're not going to be acquitted 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:30.080 because later that same day 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.480 you helped someone cross a street. 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:34.220 There's not a scale. 00:15:37.740 --> 00:15:39.700 You see, as the Holy Spirit convicts us 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:41.060 concerning the reality of our sin, 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:42.300 He also convicts us 00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:43.620 of the emptiness 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:45.720 of our righteousness. 00:15:48.780 --> 00:15:50.360 Because there's only one 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:52.139 who is truly righteous. 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:54.620 There was only one 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:55.680 who never sinned. 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:57.480 There was only one 00:15:57.480 --> 00:15:58.800 who always loved God 00:15:58.800 --> 00:15:59.519 with all His heart, 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:00.600 soul, mind, and strength. 00:16:01.300 --> 00:16:02.460 There was only one 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.540 who always loved 00:16:03.540 --> 00:16:04.780 His neighbor as Himself. 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:07.340 There's only one 00:16:07.920 --> 00:16:08.700 who can enter 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:10.360 into the very presence of God 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:11.440 without fear 00:16:11.440 --> 00:16:12.680 of being cast out 00:16:12.680 --> 00:16:13.280 or condemned. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.740 And that one 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:16.560 is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:17.680 --> 00:16:19.000 What does Jesus say? 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:21.279 The Holy Spirit convicts us 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:22.820 concerning our righteousness 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:25.500 because He says, 00:16:25.740 --> 00:16:27.059 I go to the Father 00:16:27.059 --> 00:16:28.700 and you'll see me no longer. 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:33.059 When you come before God, 00:16:33.580 --> 00:16:36.279 what solution will you offer 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:38.039 for the problem of your sin? 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:40.399 Your righteousness? 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:42.039 No. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:43.779 That solution 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:44.719 will get you nowhere. 00:16:46.079 --> 00:16:47.059 But just think, 00:16:48.099 --> 00:16:49.259 what if there was 00:16:49.259 --> 00:16:49.860 a righteousness 00:16:49.860 --> 00:16:51.059 that could be yours? 00:16:52.219 --> 00:16:53.719 A righteousness so great 00:16:53.719 --> 00:16:54.319 that it would cover 00:16:54.319 --> 00:16:55.079 your many sins. 00:16:55.179 --> 00:16:56.240 A righteousness so great 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:56.959 that it could heal 00:16:56.959 --> 00:16:58.379 your alienation from God. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.559 What if you could get 00:16:59.559 --> 00:17:00.659 a righteousness like that? 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:03.219 When Jesus says, 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:04.639 I go to the Father, 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:06.099 He not only exposes 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.000 the sham, 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.319 the emptiness 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.779 of our righteousness, 00:17:09.980 --> 00:17:11.079 but He provides 00:17:11.079 --> 00:17:11.839 the answer. 00:17:13.359 --> 00:17:14.339 He takes 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:16.519 His perfect righteousness 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:18.639 and presents it 00:17:18.639 --> 00:17:19.339 to the Father 00:17:19.339 --> 00:17:21.359 on our behalf. 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:24.819 Now, how could that be? 00:17:25.240 --> 00:17:27.279 How could Christ's righteousness 00:17:27.279 --> 00:17:29.059 be credited to me? 00:17:30.660 --> 00:17:33.820 Because when we trust 00:17:33.820 --> 00:17:34.480 in Christ, 00:17:35.380 --> 00:17:35.840 that is, 00:17:35.860 --> 00:17:36.540 when we give up 00:17:36.540 --> 00:17:37.620 attempting to be right 00:17:37.620 --> 00:17:38.019 with God 00:17:38.019 --> 00:17:38.920 through our own effort, 00:17:39.120 --> 00:17:39.980 and when we rest 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.980 in Christ alone 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.940 for a right standing 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:42.460 with God, 00:17:42.580 --> 00:17:43.960 when we trust in Him, 00:17:44.460 --> 00:17:45.640 we're united to Him. 00:17:46.340 --> 00:17:47.620 And what's true of Him 00:17:47.620 --> 00:17:48.820 is now true of us. 00:17:49.940 --> 00:17:51.640 Even though we are sinners, 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.880 we are now counted 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:57.060 as righteous in Him. 00:17:57.059 --> 00:18:01.759 When I was in elementary school, 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:02.679 my family lived 00:18:02.679 --> 00:18:03.619 in upstate New York, 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.220 and this was the time 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:06.759 when the Buffalo Bills 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:08.819 went to four consecutive 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.639 Super Bowls. 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:11.859 Some of you may remember that. 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:13.899 So, naturally, 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.119 we were all 00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:16.299 Buffalo Bills fans, right? 00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:17.359 Because they were crushing it. 00:18:17.440 --> 00:18:18.200 They had Jim Kelly 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.419 and the no-huddle offense. 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:21.159 They were hot stuff. 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:23.559 But if you're a football fan, 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:25.399 you remember what happened 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:27.120 in each of those four Super Bowls? 00:18:28.200 --> 00:18:31.519 They lost every single one, 00:18:31.840 --> 00:18:33.060 four in a row. 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.540 But the first one 00:18:35.540 --> 00:18:36.360 was the roughest 00:18:36.360 --> 00:18:37.740 in my child memory. 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:39.420 Because the Bills lost 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.200 that Super Bowl 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:41.519 in the final seconds 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:41.960 of the game. 00:18:42.560 --> 00:18:44.720 The score was 20 to 19. 00:18:45.560 --> 00:18:47.000 The New York Giants 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:48.140 were up by one. 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.060 The Bills kicker 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:52.420 took the field 47 yards. 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.820 The snap came. 00:18:54.140 --> 00:18:55.200 The kick went up. 00:18:55.400 --> 00:18:56.840 And then at the last second, 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:58.740 it goes wide right. 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:01.200 And they lose. 00:19:03.080 --> 00:19:04.280 Now, if you're a Bills fan, 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:05.980 I'm sorry to make you relive 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:06.900 that terrible day. 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.660 But imagine, 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:11.360 what if? 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:14.400 What if Scott Norwood, 00:19:14.540 --> 00:19:16.040 who will forever live in infamy, 00:19:16.040 --> 00:19:17.620 what if Scott Norwood 00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:18.620 made the kick? 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:23.699 Well, that one perfect kick 00:19:23.699 --> 00:19:26.079 would make the whole team 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:27.439 Super Bowl champions. 00:19:28.719 --> 00:19:30.199 And not just the team, 00:19:30.739 --> 00:19:32.439 all the coaches and executives 00:19:32.439 --> 00:19:33.500 and all the suits too. 00:19:34.239 --> 00:19:35.519 But not just the players 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:36.639 and not just the coaches 00:19:36.639 --> 00:19:38.039 and not just the executives, 00:19:38.179 --> 00:19:39.419 but the whole city of Buffalo. 00:19:40.500 --> 00:19:42.139 And not just the whole city of Buffalo, 00:19:42.239 --> 00:19:43.479 but every Bills fan 00:19:43.479 --> 00:19:44.319 across the state 00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:45.639 and across the country. 00:19:45.640 --> 00:19:47.780 One perfect kick 00:19:47.780 --> 00:19:49.920 and they'd all be Super Bowl champions. 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:53.080 Because of what one guy did. 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:56.020 Because of what he did, 00:19:57.080 --> 00:19:58.900 it would be credited to them all. 00:19:58.900 --> 00:20:02.860 Now, friends, 00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:04.640 you can stand on the 50-yard line 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:06.300 and you can keep kicking 00:20:06.300 --> 00:20:08.480 and kicking and kicking, 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.480 but it's never going to be enough. 00:20:11.660 --> 00:20:15.140 Or you can trust in the one 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:17.280 who's already won. 00:20:17.920 --> 00:20:19.060 And his righteousness 00:20:19.060 --> 00:20:20.200 can be counted to you. 00:20:22.340 --> 00:20:24.540 The solution can never be found 00:20:24.540 --> 00:20:25.720 in going to the Father 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:26.759 with our own righteousness. 00:20:26.960 --> 00:20:28.320 The solution can only be found 00:20:28.319 --> 00:20:29.220 and going to the Father, 00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:30.720 trusting in the righteousness 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:31.720 of the one 00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:33.700 who's already there for you, 00:20:34.439 --> 00:20:35.339 the Lord Jesus. 00:20:38.859 --> 00:20:39.599 But lastly, 00:20:39.679 --> 00:20:41.240 the Holy Spirit will not only convict 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:43.299 concerning sin and righteousness, 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:45.599 but also judgment. 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:48.099 Verse 11, look at that. 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:49.980 The Holy Spirit will convict the world 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:51.119 concerning judgment 00:20:51.119 --> 00:20:53.919 because the ruler of this world 00:20:53.919 --> 00:20:55.220 is judged. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:21:00.860 Let's ask ourselves for a second, 00:21:01.180 --> 00:21:04.180 whose judgment matters most 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:05.920 at the end of the day? 00:21:08.180 --> 00:21:09.559 When Jesus was crucified 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:11.339 by the Jewish and Roman authorities, 00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:13.299 they thought they had rendered 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:14.759 the final verdict. 00:21:15.759 --> 00:21:16.940 They had judged Jesus, 00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:18.660 they had found him wanting, 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:20.579 and they put an end to him. 00:21:20.579 --> 00:21:26.119 Is that how all this ends? 00:21:27.539 --> 00:21:29.159 If you're going to give your life 00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:29.879 to the crucified, 00:21:30.139 --> 00:21:30.500 resurrected, 00:21:30.659 --> 00:21:31.480 and ascended Jesus 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.720 who you can't see, 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:34.279 are you actually, 00:21:34.439 --> 00:21:35.460 at the end of the day, 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.919 casting your lot 00:21:36.919 --> 00:21:38.919 with the losing side? 00:21:40.919 --> 00:21:43.779 The most religiously astute 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:47.179 and the most politically powerful forces 00:21:47.180 --> 00:21:48.680 in the first century 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:51.480 both condemned Jesus. 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.400 And today, friends, 00:21:55.500 --> 00:21:56.820 many will render 00:21:56.820 --> 00:21:58.980 the same verdict. 00:22:00.779 --> 00:22:02.240 Jesus may have been a good man, 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:03.759 but he wasn't God. 00:22:04.600 --> 00:22:06.080 Jesus may have been a good teacher, 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.660 but we don't need a Savior. 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:12.460 But whose judgment matters 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.340 at the end of the day? 00:22:13.339 --> 00:22:16.519 The work of the Holy Spirit 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.759 is to convict us 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:20.079 also concerning judgment. 00:22:22.659 --> 00:22:24.539 The emptiness, at times, 00:22:24.699 --> 00:22:25.539 of human judgment 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:28.199 and the reality and supremacy 00:22:28.199 --> 00:22:29.779 of God's judgment. 00:22:31.699 --> 00:22:33.259 You see, when you see the reality 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.599 and gravity of your sin 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:36.399 and when you see the sort of emptiness 00:22:36.399 --> 00:22:37.619 of your own righteousness, 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:39.619 the last convicting work 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:41.000 is to drive you 00:22:41.000 --> 00:22:42.299 to care more about 00:22:42.299 --> 00:22:43.980 the coming judgment of God 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:45.559 than the passing judgments 00:22:45.559 --> 00:22:46.319 of this world. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.220 I recently watched 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:50.480 some of the new animated version 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:51.519 of Pilgrim's Progress. 00:22:53.379 --> 00:22:54.859 And at the beginning of the story, 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:56.139 Christian, who's the pilgrim, 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:58.819 starts to feel the load of his sin. 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:01.139 And he starts to despair 00:23:01.139 --> 00:23:02.240 of his own righteousness. 00:23:02.899 --> 00:23:04.159 And then, evangelist, 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:04.839 one of the characters, 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.819 comes and says, 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:07.319 run, Christian, 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.779 run to the wicked gate, 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:11.019 and there you'll find 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:12.220 the solution to your burden. 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.940 There you can be free. 00:23:14.879 --> 00:23:16.379 But as Christian sets out, 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:18.139 even before he gets to the gate, 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.960 he meets a whole cast 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:21.019 of characters, doesn't he? 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:22.940 Obstinate and pliable 00:23:22.940 --> 00:23:24.759 and worldly wise men 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.680 and morality, 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:26.919 and they all, 00:23:27.119 --> 00:23:28.220 in their own way, 00:23:28.359 --> 00:23:29.940 render human judgments 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:30.859 on Christian 00:23:30.859 --> 00:23:32.000 and on the good news 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:32.460 he's heard. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:35.279 Some try to minimize his sin. 00:23:35.700 --> 00:23:37.279 It's not that bad, Christian. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:39.440 Some try to convince him 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:41.080 to maximize his own righteousness. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.740 Some say the whole thing's foolish. 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:44.900 He should just turn back 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:46.299 and find pleasure in his old life. 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:50.259 But whose judgment matters? 00:23:54.019 --> 00:23:55.240 Jesus says the Holy Spirit 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.680 convicts us concerning judgment 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:59.620 because the ruler of this world 00:23:59.620 --> 00:24:00.660 is judged. 00:24:00.660 --> 00:24:05.240 The cross looked 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:07.320 like the human defeat 00:24:07.320 --> 00:24:08.160 of Jesus. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.680 But in reality, 00:24:10.840 --> 00:24:12.600 it was the heavenly defeat 00:24:12.600 --> 00:24:13.779 of Satan, 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:15.120 the ruler of this world, 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.519 and all of his lies. 00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:19.220 The cross of Christ 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:21.019 exposes Satan's lie 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.740 that our sin isn't that bad. 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:25.540 But in light of the cross, 00:24:25.600 --> 00:24:25.960 don't you see, 00:24:26.040 --> 00:24:27.340 if our sin isn't that bad, 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.459 why would Jesus 00:24:28.459 --> 00:24:29.899 have to die for us? 00:24:31.480 --> 00:24:33.720 The cross exposes Satan's lie 00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.359 that we can build 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:35.139 our own righteousness. 00:24:36.959 --> 00:24:38.079 But if we could build 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:38.879 our own righteousness, 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:40.199 what was Jesus doing 00:24:40.199 --> 00:24:41.319 hanging on that tree? 00:24:43.279 --> 00:24:45.480 The cross exposes Satan's lie 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:46.659 that God doesn't really care 00:24:46.659 --> 00:24:47.559 about you anyway 00:24:47.559 --> 00:24:48.559 and you're on your own. 00:24:50.039 --> 00:24:50.759 But friends, 00:24:50.819 --> 00:24:51.599 look at the cross. 00:24:52.199 --> 00:24:53.519 The Father giving 00:24:53.519 --> 00:24:54.579 his only Son, 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:56.419 the Son willingly laying 00:24:56.419 --> 00:24:57.279 down his life, 00:24:57.339 --> 00:24:58.879 for you and for me, 00:24:58.939 --> 00:25:00.759 so that we can be 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.000 reconciled to God. 00:25:03.399 --> 00:25:04.599 The cross 00:25:04.599 --> 00:25:07.139 was Satan's defeat. 00:25:10.159 --> 00:25:10.859 Of course, 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.299 to the world, 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:12.240 the cross seems like 00:25:12.240 --> 00:25:13.000 foolishness. 00:25:15.679 --> 00:25:17.119 But when the Holy Spirit 00:25:17.119 --> 00:25:17.980 does his work, 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:20.179 we see that our worldly 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:21.480 judgments were empty 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.379 and vain. 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.500 God's judgment 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.279 is the only thing 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:25.819 that matters. 00:25:25.819 --> 00:25:27.859 and God's judgment 00:25:27.859 --> 00:25:29.539 has won the day. 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.839 It's won the day 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:32.740 in the beauty 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.579 of the cross. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.720 So friends, 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.480 is the Holy Spirit 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:40.159 shining his light 00:25:40.159 --> 00:25:41.919 into your heart today? 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:45.619 Do you have a growing sense 00:25:45.619 --> 00:25:46.839 of the real nature 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:48.099 and gravity of your sin? 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:51.319 Do you have a growing sense 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.019 of your need 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.859 for a righteousness 00:25:52.859 --> 00:25:54.199 that's not your own? 00:25:54.199 --> 00:25:56.419 Do you have a growing 00:25:56.419 --> 00:25:57.199 realization 00:25:57.199 --> 00:25:58.699 of the passing whim 00:25:58.699 --> 00:26:00.419 of the world's judgment? 00:26:01.699 --> 00:26:02.419 This 00:26:02.419 --> 00:26:04.279 is the loving work 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.279 of God, 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:06.159 the Holy Spirit, 00:26:06.459 --> 00:26:08.740 taking you by the hand 00:26:08.740 --> 00:26:10.319 and bringing you 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:11.619 to the ascended 00:26:11.619 --> 00:26:13.039 and living Christ 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:13.979 who died for you 00:26:13.979 --> 00:26:14.819 that you might live. 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:16.679 So trust 00:26:16.679 --> 00:26:18.339 in Christ. 00:26:18.539 --> 00:26:19.259 Reach out to him 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:19.719 in faith 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:21.039 and embrace Christ 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:22.059 with all that you are. 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:26.200 And brothers and sisters, 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:26.740 as we, 00:26:27.059 --> 00:26:27.480 the church, 00:26:27.579 --> 00:26:28.920 look out at our mission, 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:30.519 our mission of witness bearing, 00:26:31.400 --> 00:26:32.900 let's not lose heart. 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:35.400 I know the task 00:26:35.400 --> 00:26:36.940 seems impossible at times. 00:26:37.059 --> 00:26:38.079 I know the work 00:26:38.079 --> 00:26:39.440 seems overwhelming, 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.980 but the Holy Spirit 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.740 is here, 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.440 Jesus says. 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:44.019 We're not alone. 00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:46.320 So pray 00:26:46.320 --> 00:26:47.500 and plan 00:26:47.500 --> 00:26:48.259 and love 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:48.980 and share 00:26:48.980 --> 00:26:50.120 and don't be afraid 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:51.720 and don't be discouraged 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:53.039 when you engage 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:54.200 in spiritual conversations 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:54.940 with your neighbors 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:55.600 or coworkers. 00:26:56.180 --> 00:26:56.759 Remember 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.660 the work 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.480 of the Holy Spirit. 00:26:59.200 --> 00:27:00.820 He goes before you. 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:02.120 You don't need 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:03.340 to change people's hearts. 00:27:03.559 --> 00:27:04.580 That's his job 00:27:04.580 --> 00:27:05.880 and he's much better 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:06.519 at it than you. 00:27:06.519 --> 00:27:09.759 You simply need 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.299 to love 00:27:10.299 --> 00:27:11.579 and pray 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.900 and listen 00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:14.420 and speak 00:27:14.420 --> 00:27:15.339 the good news 00:27:15.339 --> 00:27:16.339 as faithfully 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:16.980 as you can. 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:20.180 And that should 00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:21.000 give us freedom 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.519 and joy 00:27:22.519 --> 00:27:23.740 in the mission 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.420 before us. 00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:27.559 We're like sailors 00:27:27.559 --> 00:27:29.460 raising our sails 00:27:29.460 --> 00:27:30.059 to the wind. 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:32.039 We're not anxious 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:32.779 or worried 00:27:32.779 --> 00:27:33.680 about how hard 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.759 we're going to have to row 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:35.759 to make it to port, 00:27:35.859 --> 00:27:36.019 right? 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:36.259 No. 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:37.660 We lift our sails. 00:27:38.099 --> 00:27:39.640 We watch the wind 00:27:39.640 --> 00:27:40.779 fill the canvases. 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:42.279 The sails get taut. 00:27:42.539 --> 00:27:43.500 The ropes tighten. 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:44.819 And through no power 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.400 of our own 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:46.700 the ship heads out to sea. 00:27:48.920 --> 00:27:49.920 Brothers and sisters, 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:50.779 do you feel 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:52.000 the wind 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:53.299 at your back 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:55.220 as we go 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:56.039 on this mission? 00:27:58.140 --> 00:27:58.980 God's building 00:27:58.980 --> 00:27:59.539 his kingdom. 00:28:00.539 --> 00:28:01.599 So let's lift 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.259 our sails. 00:28:03.180 --> 00:28:04.359 Let's bear witness 00:28:04.359 --> 00:28:05.480 to our loving king 00:28:05.480 --> 00:28:07.480 and let's see 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.480 where God will take us. 00:28:09.759 --> 00:28:10.400 Let's pray. 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.880 Lord Jesus, 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.599 we thank you 00:28:16.599 --> 00:28:18.740 for the gift 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:20.460 of your Holy Spirit. 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.480 Lord, 00:28:22.559 --> 00:28:23.019 too often 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:24.019 we think we're alone 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:25.839 when your very 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:27.140 personal presence, 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:27.559 God, 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:29.539 is with us, 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:30.500 in us, 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.120 and among us. 00:28:31.119 --> 00:28:33.500 thank you for uniting 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:35.099 us with yourself 00:28:35.099 --> 00:28:36.559 through Christ 00:28:36.559 --> 00:28:37.439 by your Spirit. 00:28:39.199 --> 00:28:40.259 Help us to be 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:42.199 joyful and free 00:28:42.199 --> 00:28:43.839 as we share the good news 00:28:43.839 --> 00:28:44.819 of Christ crucified, 00:28:45.139 --> 00:28:45.319 risen, 00:28:45.419 --> 00:28:45.899 and ascended. 00:28:47.899 --> 00:28:48.619 And God, 00:28:48.679 --> 00:28:49.319 we pray especially 00:28:49.319 --> 00:28:49.939 this morning 00:28:49.939 --> 00:28:50.739 for those 00:28:50.739 --> 00:28:52.659 in whom 00:28:52.659 --> 00:28:53.639 your Holy Spirit 00:28:53.639 --> 00:28:54.119 is doing 00:28:54.119 --> 00:28:55.239 his convicting work. 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:57.099 would you soften 00:28:57.099 --> 00:28:57.819 their hearts? 00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.299 Would you give them 00:28:59.299 --> 00:29:00.200 a real sense 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:01.460 of these spiritual realities? 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:03.900 And would you draw 00:29:03.900 --> 00:29:04.640 women and men 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.339 to yourself 00:29:05.339 --> 00:29:06.519 without number? 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:09.660 Pour saving faith 00:29:09.660 --> 00:29:10.500 upon the lost, 00:29:10.579 --> 00:29:11.299 we pray, God. 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:13.579 Redeem your people today. 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:16.559 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:16.940 Amen. 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:38.859 Let's stand.